Top Surf Accessories for Winter
Winter is here and all that comes with it, cold water, neoprene, and best of all waves. To make the most of your winter sessions, it's essential to be prepared.
Here is a list of the top surf accessories that keep us warm and stoked during the winter months.
Neoprene:
Stretchy, Warm Winter Wetsuit:
One thing that comes to mind when thinking of winter surfing is the ritual dance found in popular surf break parking lots across the country– the wetsuit two-step. Fitting and finding a wetsuit is not always the most straightforward task, but a good rule of thumb is, "If it is easy to get on, it's too large." The most popular wetsuits we carry for surfing are the O'Neill's Hyperfreak lineup. Ranging from 2mm to 5/4+mm, these wetsuits are incredibly stretchy and warm thanks to the proprietary material called TechnoButter 3X.
Pros:
- In addition to the sick pinstripes, the buttery smooth material is very comfortable and makes paddling in a wetsuit easier than ever before
- The collar has a soft fabric helping to prevent neck rashes
- Zipper closes from right to left and is always connected, making it easy to zip with cold hands (Zipperless models are also available)
Cons:
- Hyperfreak does not perform well with windchill. If this is a concern, check out the O'Neill Psycho Tech. It has the same buttery material and an extra windproof Smoothskin and Firewall.
Features:
- Techno Butter 4
- Stitchless exterior fluid welded seams
- .05mm extra thickness for even more warmth
Warm, Comfortable Winter Wetsuit Gloves:
Pairing well with the Hyperfreak lineup are the Psycho Tech 3mm and 5mm gloves.
Pros:
- Features a windproof Smoothskin helping to retain its warmth
- Comfortable and stretchy thanks to the Technobutter 3 and Firewall
- Tacky grip; helps with duck diving
Cons:
- Difficult to get off when wet
Is your water seriously cold? Then you should go with the O'Neill Psycho Tech 5mm Lobster Gloves
- These gloves keep your fingers together so your hands don't get refrigerated.
- With less fingers, there are less seams for water to creep in.
Warm and Grippy Boots:
For booties, we recommend the phenomenal O'Neill Psycho Tech boots offered in both 3mm, 5mm, and 7mm thicknesses.
Psycho Tech Booties Collection
Pros:
- Pull up ankle loop helps you to slip your feet in and out without stretching the neoprene
- Asymmetrical strap design almost hugs the foot to the sole
- Durable rubber sole
Cons:
- Difficult to get on
- Run big so size down
Changing Poncho
No winter surf session would be complete without a changing poncho. Not only does it help you perform the wetsuit two-step in privacy, but it also doubles as a jacket and an after-session snuggie. We love the Slowtide Digs changing poncho so much we partnered with them to put our logo on it!
Pros:
- Very soft, absorbent, and comfortable
- Fabric does not stick to the body like other synthetic materials
- Hood drawstring offers extra protection from the wind and cold
- Kangaroo pocket helps keep hands warm
Cons:
- Heavier than other ponchos on the market
Surf Ears
Surf Ears are a great product if you know what they are for. If you don't, it may be time to research Surfer's Ear. One may say it's the new sunscreen. You don't know you need it until you've developed hearing loss and have difficulty draining your ears. These little guys are great for keeping water out of your ears and have many down-the-line benefits.
Pros:
- Necklace ensures you don't lose them in the water
- Acoustic mesh allows you still hear Todd calling you off 'his' waves
- Different size tips fit a variety of ear sizes
- Carrying pouch helps you keep track of them out of the water
Cons:
- You can still hear Todd calling you off 'his' waves
Extra Leash
It's overhead. No. It's double overhead—Peeeeling down the line. You've been waiting all winter for a day like this, you thought it might never come, yet here it is. You paddle out, see a set and take the third wave. "Whappa," you hit the lip, look ahead, and see a barrel section but you are a little deep. Oh well, you pull in hoping for a doggie door but get swallowed by the wave. You make it up to the surface, but something is missing; your leash has snapped. The terror of missing the best day of the winter flashes before you, but wait, you planned for this! You bought an extra Creatures Reef leash and stashed it in your car! Good for you; get out there and continue shredding cause you deserve it.
Creatures Reef Leash Collection
Features:
- Non-slip cuff fixes the leash securely to your leg
- Pull tab makes it easy to take it off with gloves
- Two stainless steel swivels help prevent coiling
REAL Fleece Button Up
Keeps you toasty while searching for waves! It is the perfect base layer under a jacket plus the REAL Dakota Shirt looks great when grabbing after surf tacos.
Features:
- Thick fleece material
- Two front pockets for snacks
REAL Boundary Jacket
This front zip jacket is a essential for staying warm pre and post surf. The REAL Boundary Jacket has a quilted torso which blocks the wind and keeps your core toasty. The sweatshirt sleeves are soft and cozy.
Features:
- Heavy duty front zipper
- Quilted torso
REAL Hi-Gauge Beanie
Guaranteed this will be the thing you run to put on after a winter surf. The REAL High-Gauge Beanie is a thick knit beanie with a single cuff that will keep the valuable heat from escaping your noggin.
Features:
- Rib knit high gauge beanie with single cuff
- 100% Acrylic high-gauge beanie
Yeti Mug
Scouting your session with a hot cup of coffee or tea is a great way to start an epic day. Here in Cape Hatteras, we love the REAL branded Yeti mug for exactly this.
Features:
- Magslider lid makes cleaning easy
- Double-wall vacuum insulation keeps beverages warm
- Dishwasher safe